Chet Baker - In New York

A uniformly brilliant effort from cool-toned trumpeter Chet Baker in his first ever appearance as a leader for the New York based label Riverside Records, In New York is the epitome of West Coast cool meets East Coast sensibility. Teaming up with pianist Al Haig, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones, Baker's laid-back mastery is on full display throughout this historic session.

Marked by an uncanny group unity, which gives rise to many outstanding supporting solos, the tracks captured on Chet Baker In New York alternatingly effervesce with a California cool introspection and percolate with driving intensity. An excellent survey of Baker's style and prowess as a leader, Chet Baker In New York is highly recommended as THE album to own for anyone curious about diving in to his illustrious catalog. *elusivedisc.com*

Chet Baker's West Coast cool comes to the Big Apple on Chet Baker in New York. The project would be Baker's first – in a four album deal – with the Big Apple-based Riverside Records. The bicoastal artist incorporates his decidedly undernourished sound and laid-back phrasing into the styling of Al Haig (piano), Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). The results are uniformly brilliant as Baker's cool-toned solos fly and bop with authority around the equally impressive supporting soloists. Conversely, the same cohesive unity continues on the introspective numbers that are more akin to Baker's California cool. Undoubtedly one of the charms of this collection is the distinct choice of material. Running the gamut from the relaxed and soothing "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" and equally serene "Blue Thoughts" at one end of the spectrum to the percolating and driving intensity of "Hotel 49" on the other. This track features each quintet member taking extended solos corralling together at the head and again at the coda for some intense bop interaction. Especially ferocious is Philly Joe Jones, who could easily be mistaken for Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, or even Gene Krupa with his cacophonous solo that never strays from the beat or loses its sense of swing. Perhaps the best meshing of styles can be heard on the Miles Davis composition "Solar." This "best-of" candidate refers to both Chambers' and Jones' concurrent involvement with Davis. The churning backbeat likewise propels the melody and ultimately the performers into reaching beyond their individual expertise and into an area of mutual brilliance. Chet Baker in New York is a highly recommended entry into Baker's catalog. *Lindsay Planer*

Side 1

1 - Fair Weather

(Benny Golson)

2 - Polka Dots And Moonbeams

(Johnny Burke, Jimmy Van Heusen)

3 - Hotel 49

(Owen Marshall)

Side 2

4 - Solar

(Miles Davis)

05 - Blue Thoughts

(Benny Golson)

6 - When Lights Are Low

(Benny Carter, Spencer Williamson)

Chet Baker (trumpet), Johnny Griffin (tenor sax #1, #3, #5),

Al Haig (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), Philly Joe Jones (drums).

Recorded at Reeves Sound Studios, New York City, September 1958.